Guardians of the Sea: ICGS Veera’s Role in Anti-Smuggling and Environmental Protection


ICGS Veera, which translates to “Brave” in English, is the third vessel in the series of seven Vikram-class offshore patrol vessels built by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for the Indian Coast Guard. It was commissioned on April 15, 2019, and is a testament to India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, designed and constructed within the country.

Here are some key features of ICGS Veera:
  • Displacement: 1,180 tonnes
  • Length: 98.2 meters (322 ft 2 in)
  • Beam: 14 meters (45 ft 11 in)
  • Draught: 3.6 meters (11 ft 10 in)
  • Speed: 26 knots (48 km/h; 30 mph)
  • Range: 5,000 nautical miles (9,300 km; 5,800 mi) at 16 knots (30 km/h; 18 mph)
  • Complement: 12 officers and 91 sailors

The ship is equipped with advanced navigation and communication technology, an integrated bridge system, and an integrated platform management system. For its armament, it carries a 30 mm 2A42 gun and two 12.7 mm machine guns. It also has the capability to carry an aircraft, such as the HAL Chetak or ALH helicopters.

ICGS Veera enhances coastal security and plays a crucial role in the Indian Coast Guard’s mission to provide assistance to fishermen at sea and coordinate search and rescue operations. The recent rescue mission off the Andhra coast is a prime example of its operational capabilities and commitment to maritime safety.

Any notable missions undertaken by ICGS Veera.

ICGS Veera has been involved in various missions since its commissioning, with the primary role of enhancing coastal security and conducting search and rescue operations. One of the most notable missions includes the recent rescue of nine fishermen off the Andhra coast, which showcased the ship’s capabilities in emergency response and coordination with other agencies.

Another significant mission involved the ship’s participation in a coordinated patrol with the Bangladesh Coast Guard, aimed at enhancing maritime relations and ensuring safe and secure shipping lanes in the Bay of Bengal region.

The ship also plays a vital role in anti-smuggling operations, environmental protection, and enforcing maritime law, contributing to the overall safety and security of India’s maritime interests.

For more detailed accounts of ICGS Veera’s missions, you can refer to official Indian Coast Guard releases or maritime security reports.


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